Decline in Indian gaming revenue is fueling debate over future off-reservation expansion in state

8:54 PM,
Apr. 1, 2013

Gambling chips stacked around roulette wheel on gaming table

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Those who patronize Indian gaming operations in Wisconsin aren't shy about spending money: More than $213 billion has been wagered since 1998, including nearly $16 billion last year.

There's no disputing the big-business aspect of tribal gambling. But there is a major disagreement over the future of the industry, a dispute that has been enhanced by a recent report of a 5 percent decline in Indian gaming revenue from 2007-11.

While it's not a massive drop-off, it has fueled the argument that Wisconsin has reached the saturation point with casinos. The state's 11 Indian tribes operate more ...